Donald deBethizy

Donald deBethizy is founder, president, and chief executive officer of Targacept, Inc. Using new computational drug discovery technologies and focusing on novel biological targets, Targacept is developing therapies for numerous central nervous system disorders such as ADHD, Alzheimer's, anxiety, depression, and pain. Targacept was spun out of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco in 2000, raising record levels of first- and second-round venture financing along the way. For his leadership in founding Targacept, Ernst & Young recognized Dr. deBethizy as an "Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2002.